Chapter 28 Crystals

The small cruiser was in hyperspace as Rey began to prepare. She sat alone in the quietness, in stillness, in peace. She was drawing everything from the Force. She was listening to it, searching her feelings, searching for Ben. She knew this was going be dangerous but she had to try. He may die but at least if he does then he'll see her fighting for him. Rey came out of deep thought and it was time to get ready.

She grabbed a belt and started to attach small blasters to it along with other weapons and needed items. She hasn't used a blaster in a while but she was going to need everything she could carry. Once the belt had everything she wanted on it she placed it around her hips and clipped her saber to it. She unwrapped the scarf from her and grabbed a holster and grabbed two blades securing them to the holster. She put the holster on and clipped the front of it that was in front of her chest. She then grabbed a larger blaster and did a check on it making sure it was ready. Rey took the scarf and wrapped it up around her so only her eyes could be seen. She grabbed the lareger blaster and headed to the cockpit.

Han Solo managed to pull out of hyperspace and get through a shield once so she knew she could be done. Rey punched in some data as the cruiser pulled out of hyperspace and the small cruiser was already making it's way to the surface. She piloted the ship down as easy as she could but it was a rough entry. She punched in more data as she looked to where the base was and it wasn't too far away. Usually she would walk but there was no time for that. Rey grabbed her blaster and headed out and saw something covered by the landing ramp. She pulled the cover off of it and smiled seeing the land speeder.

The ramp opened and Rey was off into the dark day. She cruised towards the facility knowing the closer she gets the more she will have to hide. But she had a plan; make this place feel like there was more than just her. Whether the Resistance was coming or not she was going to assume she was on her own until the end. In the faint distance she could see the base as she shifted gears. It almost appeared to be night out but she could see the sun trying to break through the black clouds.

Rey circled the base seeing it was quiet but she knew she only saw the surface. She didn't know what was below. Rey pulled the speeder closer then dismounted it. She set a timer on it and grabbed her blaster and started to head to the base. She ran swiftly knowing she had to get in and be as quiet as she could. She got closer to the base not knowing what she will find inside but she pulled out a switch and pressed a button. Her speeder blew up and the alarms sounded. She got to a wall as Troopers started to race out and she went in.

Once she got in she started to fire on some of the extra Troopers before they could fire back. Rey then headed further into the base. She looked over the railing and saw a line of computers. She jumped over the rails, slung the blaster over he back, punched a Trooper and slashed her saber at another. She raced to the computer and started to hack it. She then sent out a signal to the Resistance to alert them what she was doing so if they do show they know what has been done.

As she finished that she pulled up a map looking at it. She can read floor plans quickly and she did her best to memorize the place. She can see one location and knew that was one place she needed to be. This base operated on a defense grid and she knew how to pull that down. Rey then started to type and placed a coding. She stepped back giving it a second and the alarms started to sound.

Bleys heard the sirens indicating they were under attack and he walked over to a screen. Everyone started to work as he looked around. He could see there was an explosion and it could be just a malfunction somewhere but he wasn't going to look passed it.

"I want extra security on Solo." Bleys ordered. "The Resistance is here, trace them and destroy them." Bleys looked to the screen but so far there wasn't anything to pick up on.

Rey left the computers and stayed against the wall seeing some Troopers running. She let them pass her and she continued on. She started to run and came up behind one Trooper and jumped to the floor, sliding and kicked him hard in the back of the knees causing him to fall. She slammed the blaster at his head and he was out. Rey slung the blaster behind and took a smaller one from her belt and fire at two more Troopers before they even knew what happened. Rey continued to run down the hall quietly.

Connix came out running to Finn and Poe with a smile holding something for them.

"Rey made it she sent us the entire floor plan of the place and deactivated the shields." Connix informed them. Both Finn and Poe smiled.

"She did all the heavy lifting." Finn realized Rey made this a little easier.

"Let's move out." Poe ordered and the squads and cruisers started to mobilize. "Star Dust and the bombing squad will wait for our signal for the final move. Once Ben is located and removed we pull out and bury the place." Poe finished his statement and the attack plan.

Rey ran straight at Trooper kicking him hard to the ground and activated her saber blocking oncoming blaster rays. She slashed at another Trooper and continued to move on. Rey ducked and blocked another series of blaster rays and then hacked her way through the Troopers. She needed to make her way through the base and the Troopers were only slowing her down right now.

From her belt she pulled out a cable and tied it the rail and jumped over. She swung in and kicked two Troopers down, landed, disconnecting herself from the cable and removed her saber slashing at the three Troopers that went after her. She put her saber away and pulled out the blaster ready to move. The sirens were still going as she moved on.

Bleys was watching from the screens seeing where the Resistance was but there was nothing appearing on the cameras.

"Sir, enemy fighters have entered." A man informed Bleys.

"How? The shield generators," Bleys started.

"They've been deactivated and we're having trouble getting them back online." The man finished and Bleys looked to the screens wondering how this was happening and yet they haven't found anyone yet. Then he saw the cruisers landing but someone had to be inside for this to be working.

"Scramble the TIE-Fighters…." Bleys fists balled up. "Five minutes ago." He looked to his enemy that have come for Ben and this wasn't what they were expecting at all.

Poe and Finn landed looking at the base knowing they had to get in but there was a problem. The base will empty and start the assault and they do have heavy firing power. What has shown up may not break the line and get in but then again they do have someone on the inside.

Rey once more slashed her way through a few more Troopers and came to a huge circuit room. She went in and started to plant little bombs to blow it up. She started to plant them and then went to a screen and once more started to type. She embedded another virus.

Up in the control station where Bleys was watching the computers started to go black. Rey was shutting them down completely so they could not see what was happening. He slammed his fist down smashing the dashboard.

"I want everyone to be looking for Resistance Fighters within the complex, no survivors!" Bleys yelled out. "Get us back online now!" He demanded.

Rey stepped out of the circuit room and pressed a button and continued to walk away. The whole room blew and the lights went out with a red glow started up. The emergency power systems were now on.

Out on the ground Poe looked and smiled.

"She smashed their defense grid, they're blind." Poe announced. "Full force let's go!" The Resistance team that was here advanced forwards.

Bleys stood there realizing that they could not call for back up now and they were being infiltrated from within. Standing here did them no good so it was time to find these Resistance scum and kill them one by one.

"Do what you can to get us back up, I want eyes out there." Bleys ordered and then left.

Finn and Poe blasted their way in and looked that the map Rey sent them quickly.

"Ok, cellblocks are that way." Poe looked at the map. "Admiral Rey is…picking this place apart slowly, stall them, I'll get Solo. Once we're out, we level the place." Poe explained the game plan.

"Alright let's move!" Finn yelled and the small band on fighters moved further in. Poe took a few fighters with him to find Ben.

Outside Red and Gold Squads were holding off the TIEs and taking out the ground forces. Chewie and Connix were in the Falcon helping the squads and kept watch to continue to report to Leia.

Rey landed on the ground as a squad of Troopers lined up holding up their blasters to her. She looked up and then looked to them but then blaster rays took out half the Troopers. Rey looked behind her seeing Finn firing. Rey held out her blaster and fired on the rest of the Troopers. Finn made his way down to Rey as the other fighters went to secure the place.

"You made it." Rey commented.

"What, let you have all the fun?" He asked with a smile. "This place is huge." Finn added as they looked around as Rey removed the scarf from her letting it sit on her shoulders. "Star Dust and the bombers are in position." Rey nodded knowing they needed to leave as soon as they could. She wanted to find this Knight of Ren but she may have to fight and kill him another day.

"Ben?" She asked because she was on her way but she was only one person.

"Poe is on it, I say we continue to take this place down piece by piece." Finn suggested and Rey couldn't agree more. Rey held out her blaster and fired on more Troopers and Finn helped. "You do your thing with the lightsaber, I got this." He offered. Rey tossed the blaster away and ignited her saber and charged at the Troopers and took them out.

Poe and few of the fighters made their way to the cellblocks but their time was running out slowly. There were still more First Order Fighters than Resistance and the element of surprise was fading. Poe ran down the hall looking at each cell quickly. Most were empty and he can imagine that they were meant for the Resistance. He came to one cell and found Ben slumped on the ground out. Poe stood back and fired at the lockpad and the door opened. He slid to the ground and started gently shake Ben.

"Hey, Ben, come on, wake up." Poe's voice was soft as he lifted Ben up to sit up straight. "Ben wake up." Ben started to stir with a groan of pain. He managed to open one eye, as the other was swollen shut. Poe had him sitting up straight now as Ben finally woke up.

"Get out of my head." Ben moaned in pain pulling away. Poe took out a medicine cloth and quickly wiped Ben's face to get some of the caked blood off and that seemed to make him look a little better. It should also numb the pain a bit and help with the swelling.

"I'm here to rescue you, come on." Poe insisted and then took out some laser cutter and removed the restraints from Ben's wrists.

"No, no, he's making me see things, things that I want." Ben explained and the Poe stared hard at Ben for a moment making sure the reformed Sith could see him.

"Then why the hell would he make you see me?" Poe asked and then Ben stated to perk up a little. Ben looked to Poe then realizes this was reality.

"Right." Ben agreed and Poe lifted him up slowly and gently. Poe took the arm that was not wounded and swung it around his shoulders so Ben could use him as a crutch. "Where's Rey?" Ben asked as they hobbled out of the cell.

"She's, she's pissed and I'd hate to be on the other end of that lightsaber." Poe explained and they stepped out into the hallway but Poe felt Ben pull on him.

"Go back, go back." Ben's voice was concerning to Poe and he didn't ask questions he just knew to go back. They walked out but the Resistance Fighters were gone.

"What the hell?" Poe asked and a shadow started to form.

"It's Bleys." Ben stated.

"The Knight?" Poe asked but he felt Ben already pulling him away and Poe followed. Just then Poe saw Ben's saber sitting on a little table and took it. The two made their way down the hall. The only lights they had were the low lit red ones with the emergency system. They headed down the hall and turned a corner and went on. Ben then stopped and looked around sensing Bleys knowing they were being hunted. Bleys hunts, that's his signature. Poe then brought his wrist up to him. "Rey, Finn? Can you hear me?" Poe asked in a whisper.

"Finn, you got Ben?" It was Finn over the COMM.

"Yeah, but we're going to need back up, like we need Rey and we need her now." Poe's voice was deep and serious. Just then Ben held out his hand calling his saber from Poe and ignited and blocked another red blade. Ben kicked Poe back as he held his ground as Bleys continued to drive his saber towards Ben. Ben was weak and tired but he held his ground. Poe took out his blaster and fired at Bleys giving a chance for Ben to break away. Bleys deflected the blaster rays as Ben ran towards Poe and Poe grabbed onto Ben helping him and they started to run away.

The two ran through the dark halls and Ben knew the game. Bleys knew the layout of the building; there was no place to hide. If anything they had to get out the tight spaces and into the open. Poe did his best to carry Ben as they made their way through the base.

"Resistance!" Poe called to his COMM. "I have Ben, we're being perused by a Knight." Poe then looked around to see where they were. "If anyone is near…" Poe looked frantically around. "Hall 412! I repeat hall 412! We need back up now!" Ben then shoved Poe away as Bleys came crashing down from above. Ben ignited his saber but did not engage, he was only defending and could not attack. Poe held up his blaster but it was pulled from him as Bleys slung it away. Ben blocked the other red saber.

"Poe go!" Ben yelled.

"No!" Poe yelled back, he wasn't going to run. Ben managed to kick Bleys back and he turned back to Poe again.

"I said go! Now!" Ben yelled even louder. Poe knew the Knight will kill them both but he wanted to stay his ground. Bleys punched Ben back down and Poe took off running as ordered. Ben blocked the saber again and pushed Bleys off.

"I wish I could have fought you in your prime Kylo, this is two easy." Bleys slashed at Ben as the young man once more only blocked and defended himself. Bleys held out his hand sending Ben flying back and skidding across the ground. Ben rolled over spitting out more blood. He tried getting up but he had nothing left. "Get up!" Bleys ordered but Ben didn't move. Bleys slammed down his saber back at Ben and Ben managed to block it but Bleys continued to push more. Bleys kicked Ben causing him to roll a few times. "Shame." Bleys walked to Ben but then Ben felt it. He sat up slightly and a small cocky smile formed which threw Bleys off.

A woman landed in front of Bleys and she twirled her saber on and kicked Bleys back. She criss-crossed her saber in front of her looking at the blue alien.

"Rather be fighting you anyways." Bleys stated looking dead on at Rey.

"Feeling's mutual." Rey added and then charged she slammed down her saber at Bleys and he blocked her and swiped at her. Rey ducked from the swipe and delivered another strike at him and their sabers connected. Rey kicked Bleys back and then she charged, skid to the ground once more swiping at Bleys. He rammed his saber into her face and she managed to dodge it, did a sidekick and jumped into the air kicking Bleys away. She then jumped, twirled and delivered another strike at Bleys. Rey then charged at him once more slamming into him and tossed him over the railing. She took a moment to breathe and deactivated her saber and ran to Ben.

Finn and Poe were here as Poe lifted Ben off the ground a little.

"Found some back up." Poe explained to Ben as Rey raced to them and slid to the ground meeting up with Ben. She placed both hands to his face gently looking at him.

"Rey," Ben sounded exhausted but he felt that cool breeze and smelt the wild flowers, she was real. The sight of Ben's condition made Rey angry but she had to stay calm.

"Are you ok?' She asked knowing that was a stupid question but that's all she could do. She then pulled him in to hold him. It felt good despite what has and what's currently happening. He pulled away and they rested their foreheads to one another.

"We can do the touchy feel crap later, we need to get out of here." Finn insisted and it wasn't meant to put a damper on the reunited couple but they needed to move. Bleys was hunting them and they needed to get out and the sooner the better. Finn and Poe helped hoist Ben to his feet and the four of them started to head out.

As they continued down the hall they came to intersecting way of the facility and looked up seeing the fighting. The Order and the Resistance were fighting once more. The ground forces have now come into the facility to push back the Order.

"The way out is that way." Finn motioned in the direction they had to go. Rey went ahead of them as they went through. Some of the Fighters saw Ben and started yell commands to keep him safe and to push forwards. Once out of the facility they will have to get outside which only had more fighting. Finn and Poe put Ben down as Rey looked on. They were getting pushed back and needed to break the line.

"You three stay here, I'll go." Rey ordered and took off running. Finn went to pull her back but looked to Poe and Ben as they sat there. Poe shrugged and thought that Finn would figure out by now there is no holding Rey back.

Rey ran straight into battle and ignited her lightsaber and started to swing at the Troopers. She slid to the ground, jumped up and slammed down her saber at one Trooper. She blocked oncoming blaster rays and charged at a Trooper slashing him down. Poe saw that she was making a clear shot out. Ben pulled himself up not liking the idea of being carried out. The three of them started to move as Poe and Finn stayed close to Ben. Ben then ignited his saber blocking some random blaster rays.

"He does not go down easily." Finn commented to Poe while Ben blocked the rays from the Fighters. Poe sighed knowing once Ben finally lays down when this is done he'll be knocked out. "Resistance! Let's go!" Finn yelled out to his people as they all started to fall back and follow the high commanders.

Rey blocked three blaster rays and took out that Trooper and saw the three guys heading to her. Other Fighters followed up behind them knowing it was time to go. Poe brought up his wrist COMM as Rey ran ahead of them again taking out the enemy.

"Get Star Dust and the bombers out here!" Poe ordered as they continued to run. Just then Ben pushed Poe and Finn back as a Death Trooper was firing a huge blaster at them. Rey charged at the Death Trooper as he continued to fire and she swiped the saber at the blaster cutting it and then kicked the Trooper back hard.

"Woo, yay!" Finn called out impressed by Rey, he was always impressed. Ben continued to block some of the random blaster rays as well. He felt useless in the fight and wanted to be side by side with Rey. But if he could at least block some of the oncoming fire then that's what he'll do. Rey then joined up with him back to back and blocked a few blaster rays allowing some of the Fighters to get through and out. Rey then charged at a Trooper and slammed him back. They managed to clear the area and it was time keep moving.

Rey grabbed Ben pulling him close as they left together. Poe and Finn waited for them and Poe reached out grabbing a hold of Ben taking over. Finn joined up as Rey followed up behind them while the rest of the Fighters started make their way out.

"Jedi!" A voice rang out and Rey turned around seeing Bleys standing a few levels up. He pointed his saber to Rey signaling who he wanted. He could care less about Ben now; he wanted to kill a Jedi. Bleys jumped down letting his red saber run through the railings and he landed.

"Oh, what the hell do we do?" Poe asked knowing firing at the guy won't do anything.

"Go." Rey ordered and Ben stood his ground. She then looked to Ben. "I said go."

"I'm not leaving you." Ben declared but he knew he couldn't fight Bleys not in this state; he was barely standing as it is. But he couldn't leave her behind.

"Go!" Rey yelled at him and Poe grabbed Ben meaning they had to leave. The Fighters continued to warn off the Troopers as Poe dragged Ben out and Finn went to help.

"No! Rey!" Ben usually would be able to push two average guys off of him but he was burning out of energy. "No!" He had to help her; he had to fight with her. "Rey!" Rey ignored Ben's cries and focused on Bleys. Bleys walked towards Rey letting his saber drag on the ground and Rey twirled her saber and took a fighting stands ready. She was on her own, this is what Ben has taught her, what he has prepared her for. Bleys then charged at Rey and took huge and deep swings at her.

Rey ducked and moved out of the way and blocked the red lightsaber. Bleys knew this wasn't going to be easy; she has trained under Ben for a year now. He could feel in the Force and she was strong within it. Rey criss-crossed her saber in front of her and charged at Bleys and they started to dual. He used all his energy and hate on her and Rey dodged his blows.

"As magnificent as you are, you will not win this." Bleys threaten her and Rey twirled her saber continuously in her hand. Bleys slammed down his saber at her and Rey blocked him again with each strike. Bleys then kicked her hand causing her to lose her saber. He then reached out grabbing her neck and shoved her back. Rey punched him hard and kneed him before he could make a move. She called her saber back to her and reignited it and the red and blue clashed again.

Rey dove under him and continued the fight. She jumped and kicked him back realizing the hand-to-hand combat training was paying off. Bleys held out his hand trying to push her back and Rey held up her hand in a counter defense. They both flew back and Rey got up as fast as she could. Bleys got up and charged at Rey.

Rey ran towards Bleys once more and swung her saber and Bleys blocked her. He threw a punch and Rey dodged it. Bleys swiped at her hard and fast and Rey went to block it but something happened. Rey stepped back looking at her saber and sparks flew from it, he had taken the tip off of it. Bleys smiled at her and charged knowing she had no weapon. Rey held her ground as Bleys charged at her. Rey then dove to the ground and as she twisted she reached for the small knife she placed in her holster and threw it at Bleys.

He let go of his saber as the small knife went through his hand. Rey called his saber to her igniting and swiped at Bleys and tossed his saber away. She looked to the blue alien as he laid out on the ground with a lightsaber burn going across his chest. She called her broken saber to her and walked way hearing Bleys crying out in pain, cursing her. The Resistance was going to blow the whole place and he'll be stuck here when it happens.

Rey exited the place as the TIEs and X-Wings continued to fight. Then she saw Star Dust entering in and it was time to leave. She walked through the battlefield and saw Ben, Finn and Poe taking cover waiting for the Falcon to get them. Ben saw Rey walking to them and he threw his saber to her and she caught it and blocked some of the blaster rays that were everywhere. She then picked up her pace and helped the rest of the ground fighters and saw the Falcon overhead making it's way to her. She made sure there was clear space for the Falcon and it landed.

Poe and Finn helped Ben up and they headed to the Falcon as Rey kept guard. Chewie came out of the Falcon yelling and right behind him was Leia as she held a blaster taking out some more of the random Troopers.

"All fighters return to your cruiser." Poe ordered he handed Ben off to Chewie. The Wookie took Ben and threw him over his shoulder and ran towards the Falcon. Leia went into the Falcon to help her son while the rest of the Fighters fought off the Troopers and X-Wings fought off the TIEs. Rey blocked some blaster rays as everyone was falling back.

"Rey!" Poe yelled standing on the ramp of the Falcon. "We are leaving!" He shouted meaning she just needed to come inside. Rey made her way to the Falcon but Finn held up a grenade. He tossed it to Rey and she threw out further away and Finn aimed at it and fired. It caused enough of an explosion to keep the oncoming Troopers back. Rey boarded the Falcon deactivating Ben's saber.

"What happened to blue boy in there?" Finn asked, as he closed the ramp behind them.

"He's dead." Rey informed Finn.

"That's a shame, ok Chewie punch it!" Poe's voice was flat at that comment. "All Fighters get back to your cruisers and let's get out of here." Poe added as Chewie set Ben down at the table and headed to the cockpit. Once more Ben laid out on the seat feeling every muscle and bone in his body screaming in pain.

"All Fighters have board their cruisers." A voice informed Poe and Finn.

"Star Dust, bombers, level this place." Finn gave the order and the Falcon started towards the sky. The TIE Fighters were no match for Star Dust and the bombers started to drop the bombs on the facility. Rey looked out the window of the cockpit as she took the pilot chair. She piloted the Falcon out of there as the rest of the ships headed to Star Dust. She watched the facility blow up and felt some relief. Rey piloted the Falcon out into space as the bombers and Star Dust joined them. Once they were ready she typed in the coordinates and the Falcon went into lightspeed with Star Dust and the bombers behind them.

Ben laid in the medical bay of the base in a tank. He was immersed in a Bacta tank. Rey watched him, as he was asleep in the tank letting the fluids around him soothe him, warm him back up and start the healing process. Leia joined up with Rey as they looked to Ben. He had been badly beaten up. Bruised bones, a concussion, some blood loss and a possible internal bleeding but the medical personal made it clear he'll make a full recovery. There was a breathing mask on Ben as he was in the tank. In the tank there was a little water droid sewing up the open wound on his shoulder and would close up any other minor open wounds.

"Bleys is dead?" Leia asked and Rey nodded. "He never goes alone anywhere, this won't be the last attempted to capture him." Leia made it clear even though Ben will insist later that was not needed. "And you?" Leia turned to Rey as she continued to watch Ben. She finally looked at Leia wondering what she meant.

"I'm fine." Rey answered thinking maybe Leia thought she needed medical attention. But Leia knew what happened to Rey's lightsaber. Rey let out a sigh and looked back to Ben. "I'll fix it." She made it sound like she could just tinker with it. Leia was not a practicing Jedi but she knew a little bit about lightsabers and that you have to build it and takes a little more than a few screws. Leia sighed as she continued to watch her son. This was the third time she nearly lost him and she wasn't sure if she can handle it again.

Leia was summoned away for a moment and Rey got closer to the tank and placed her hands to it. She watched Ben float there and she then rested her forehead to the tank letting out another sigh. She closed her eyes for a moment letting herself fall into the Force and felt Ben. He was there again. Rey then looked up to him once more and there was nothing else she could do right now. She just needed to let the Bacta tank do it's job. Rey took in a deep breath and left, nothing was going to happen right now and standing there doing nothing wasn't going to speed up time.

Rey sat her desk looking at the saber looking at the two pieces of her lightsaber. She grabbed the main portion of the hilt and looked inside she saw a blue crystal within it. The other piece was the top and opening portion. She reached in and pulled the crystal out and studied it. It was very light as she held it and a deep blue.

"It's called a Kyber crystal." Rey heard a voice and looked over seeing Ben standing there. She got up and went to hug him. She had to restrain herself from jumping into his arms though. She gently wrapped herself around him and he held her back. He had been cleared from the medical area and even if he wasn't he was going to leave and come here anyways.

"How do you feel?" She asked him as she pulled away. Ben wasn't sure how he felt, his mind was in a fog and his felt disconnected from everything and yet he felt everything. When he moves he felt pain. It has lessened since the Bacta tank session and the pain was more or less tolerable.

"I'll be ok." His voice was thick and then he looked to the desk. Rey sighed and nodded and walked over to the desk and picked up the pieces. She walked to Ben holding the two pieces in her hands.

"How do I fix it?" She asked holding the pieces up. Ben then reached for the hilt of the saber holding it and then looked to Rey.

"Rey, once it's damaged…you can't fix it." Ben answered handing her the broken hilt. She took it and felt like crying and lowered her hands and looked defeated. This was Luke Skywalker's saber, it was Anakin Skywalker's saber, an heirloom and it was destroyed. Although Ben rather have that saber be destroyed and not her. "You can build a new one." Ben stated and Rey looked up to him. "We need to get another Kyber crystal and…" Ben could see Rey's distress as she walked away dropping the pieces on the desk. "Rey, it's ok, you'll build a new saber."

Rey turned around to face him and in these last three days she has felt defeated. The Commonwealth was under attack, Ben was nearly beaten to death and now she lost her saber. If anything she should try to sleep, she hasn't slept well. Maybe sleep will reset her mind. Ben could see she was upset about the lightsaber and even if he offered comfort to her about it she wasn't going to respond to it.

Ben slowly walked to the bed. He wanted to sleep and he felt like he could sleep for days. He started to remove his clothing but everything was sore and tender. Rey saw his struggle and walked over to him helping him to take off his clothes. He has healed very well but he was still sore and the bruises were still visible. She gently helped him to remove the tunic and saw a new scar on his left shoulder. He had one previously from their lightsaber battle on Starkiller Base. A new one was overlapping it from Bleys' knife. He had massive bruises all over his torso. Rey then gently sat him down on the bed letting him take a moment.

It still hurt for him to move. She looked to his face, as he was able to open both eyes now. The one that was swollen shut now had a black and bruise surrounding it and the eye itself was red. Rey lightly pushed some random strains of hair out of his face. His bottom lip was healing as it had been split open. Rey gently touched his face and the touch was welcomed. She pulled herself closer to him realizing just how close she was to losing him. It hurt, it hurt both physically and emotionally to think about it.

Rey continued to offer gentle touches, soft caressing and it soothed the aching muscles, calmed the over active nerves. She ran her fingertips down the old scar and with every moment it became more real just how close he was to being taken. She was selfish to go there and save him but Ben was all that she had in the galaxy. He helped set her on a path, they found each other in darkness, they were finding the light and purpose. She couldn't do this alone so she became selfish to keep him. She didn't regret her choice and she would do it all over again.

Ben then pulled her closer; her presence was what he wanted. The whole time in that cell he thought about her and the reality of never seeing her again. Her image would flash before him at times when he thought the end was coming, she was the last thing he wanted to see. And she came across the galaxy for him just as he had done for her. Ben pulled her even closer and with his own hand placed it on her cheek and she leaned into it. He then saw her eyes starting to water.

"I'm still here." His voice was in a whisper but held depth to it. Rey nodded knowing to stop thinking how she could have lost him because he was right in front of her. They were a breath a part now not light-years away.

"Ben," She whispered his name and he wanted to hear it again and again. It was real and meant he was alive. They leaned in for a tender kiss. Rey knew she had to be gentle with him. She gently pushed him back to the soft bed not breaking the much needed kiss. Rey pulled away looking at him. "Let me," She didn't finish but Ben knew and he pulled her in for another kiss. Rey pulled away and planted soft kisses on his face letting her touch continue the healing process. She then placed kisses to his neck, she trailed down softly to his chest and the pain started to disappear. Ben closed his eyes for a moment feeling relaxed and calm.

Rey sat up straddling him and stripped away her own clothes. Ben laid there watching but was enjoying every moment. Rey leaned in and placed another kiss to him and he pulled her in closer. He'll never again take for granted the skin to skin contact with her. He felt Rey working on their lower half and they've done this enough times that she had no trouble in removing the rest of their clothing. Ben took in a deep breath as Rey pulled away a little and started to gently rock on him. Ben watched and the rush of pleasure numbed all the pain better than any pain medication could. Ben let Rey take complete control and she was taking care of him in every way. She was providing comfort, nurture, love and kindness all in one act.

Rey leaned in and this time the kiss was a bit more hungry than the last but Ben took it, he wanted it. He then joined in a little more and rocked with her. Ben then pushed himself so they sat up together and continued on with their lovemaking. Rey arched herself back a little more letting Ben rest in her chest. He planted some kisses of his own there.

He owed his life to this woman; he knew it. She saved him and not just from Bleys. She saved him from Snoke, she brought him back from the brink, she has been mending his broken soul. He owed everything to her and all she continues to do is give. They met for another kiss as they continued to rock; Ben still felt like she was above him. She still deserved something more and he felt he couldn't give that to her. But as fast as that doubtful feeling came it also went.

"Ben," She whispered to him as they continued on. "I love you." That phrase, those three words always made him shutter. He pulled her in closer crashing his lips to hers. He doesn't say those three words back, not often at least and he knew he should. Speaking, putting his feelings into words was very difficult for him. But he can express his feelings in actions like now. Their lovemaking became a little more deep and that was one way he could return his love.

Rey didn't need to hear it; she could feel it more than anything. Ben pulled her closer and gently maneuvered her so he was hovering over her and they continued on. Rey pulled him closer as the rocking was getting intense, the sensations continued to rise. He did what Bleys said to do, he called to her, called her name and she responded to him. Their kisses deepened as did their bodies, they could feel the release about to happen and they felt each other in Force.

Ben's body shook and while he thought it would provoke the pain and the aches it did the opposite. It relaxed him even more. They rested their foreheads to one another and finally Rey burst into tears. It finally hit her that had she came any later, missed one step; he would have been dead. She would never see him again and she wouldn't be able to tell him that she loved him anymore, or fall asleep in his arms, or have those quiet moments where he smiled for her, they would never touch foreheads again, never sit on the beach and watch the sunset. It all came crashing down at once. Ben felt her in the Force and he felt pain from her. He then cupped both of her cheeks as the tears rolled down into his hands.

"Rey," He was trying to hush her. "Rey, I'm still here." He made her realize that. She looked into his eyes. "I've trained you for this," She nodded knowing that one day he may not come home. "As long as you're safe." To Ben that's all that mattered. He wanted to die before her so he wouldn't live without her. If he can't feel her light within the Force, see her before him the galaxy will blur, nothing will make sense anymore. He was ok with dying in that cell knowing she was safe. Ben leaned in for deep kiss and Rey pulled him closer to further deepen it. The kiss lasted for a moment.

Ben pulled away and placed gentle kisses on her face like she did for him. He then rested his head on her chest closing his eyes. He felt Rey running her fingers gently through his hair causing him to further relax, find peace and quiet. He looked at her, looked her into her brown eyes and he reached out once more placing his hand to her cheek. She leaned in as she always does and then she leaned in placing a sweet kiss to him again. Once she pulled away she placed another kiss to his forehead and then he rested his head to her chest hearing her heartbeat. He was alive and with her.

Two Weeks Later

The Falcon made it's way through hyperspace with Rey and Ben onboard. Rey sat at the table reading the Jedi text as Ben walked to her setting down a hot drink before her. He then sat down next to her and she looked up at him.

"So, how do I build a lightsaber?" Rey asked because the book wasn't too detailed on it. Ben reached for the book skimming it and then closed it.

"The Force will guide you." Ben answered and Rey took a sip of the hot drink and sat back into the chair.

"If, if Kyber crystals only come in blue and green then why is your saber red?" Rey asked and Ben looked to her.

"The crystals respond to their masters. If one falls to the dark the crystal within bleeds because of it." Ben explained and he removed his saber from his belt and ignited it. "My Kyber crystal was cracked that's why I built my saber this way." But something was different about the red, it was paler than usual and the blade didn't seem so unstable. "This temple, it's one of the last secret temples of the Kyber crystals. The Empire mined a lot of known temples for the crystals for their powers."

The Falcon landed on a snowy planet called Ilum. Rey and Ben exited the Falcon bundled up from the cold harsh wind and snow. They walked side by side through the snow looking for the temple. It was never mapped out, never given a true location. One would have to feel the Force to find it. As they walked Rey felt this pull and this call just as Luke lightsaber called to her, as the old temple called to her. Rey started to veer off into another direction and Ben noticed so he followed her.

As they walked they came to a mountainside and now they had to find a way in. Rey placed her hand on the wall; she could feel the cold rock as the snow did not land on it. She started to walk feeling the pull guiding her. Then there was a large enough crack in the mountain to get through. She looked to Ben and he didn't sense anything dangerous so Rey went inside and he followed.

There was nothing but darkness and Ben pulled out a flare lighting the way. Within the flare's light Rey saw what looked like glitter everywhere. Rey walked closer to the walks and saw blue and green crystals everywhere. She couldn't help but smile looking at them. She then turned to Ben wondering what to do.

"Do I just…pick one?" Rey asked.

"It'll find you." Ben answered and Rey nodded. She stepped away and figured she needed to tap into the Force. So she sat down, removed her pack and closed her eyes. She felt Ben was in front her as he slowly got down to her level. He for the most part has healed with a few tender spots. The bruises have turned from black to the ugly purple and red to the fading green and yellow. Ben then grabbed Rey's hand placing it to the ground.

"Reach out." He told her and Rey took in a deep breath. "What can you see?" Rey felt the Force; it was deep within this place.

"I see light." Rey responded. "It's everywhere. I can feel…I can feel power." She continued on. Rey felt this deep wave hit her and she felt her body sinking into a vast sea of calmness. She found nothing around her but a small light reaching out. She felt herself standing there as the light grew. Within the light she saw a face, a soft warm face. The eyes were blue and inviting. She then saw the face reaching to her with an out stretched hand and within the hand a crystal was dropped into her hand.

'Trust in the Force,' The face whispered to her. 'Trust in yourself, Rey of Jakku.'

Rey opened her eyes and looked down seeing that same crystal in her hand now. She then looked up to Ben as he reached for her pack and pulled the staff that she would attached it to. He hand her the staff and she took it. She held her old weapon in her hands and she hasn't used it since finding Luke. But this was her weapon; it kept her safe all those years on Jakku. But how does she build a saber out of it. She looked to Ben as he looked to her and she sighed gripping the staff tighter in her hands.

Rey set the staff down and closed her eyes. She could see the light once more; she could feel the Force all around her and within her. She raised her hands and in her mind thought of the Kyber crystal forming with the staff. Ben sat in front of her and watched the staff and the crystal floating. She had hallowed out the staff prior to coming here and now the crystal made it's way in. The pieces of the old saber floated from her pack and began to form in and around the staff. The pieces assembled before him as he watched his student construct her very own lightsaber and for a teacher it's a high point.

Rey opened her hands up a little more and the staff gently laid itself in her hands and she felt the button and around them a green glow lit the cave. Rey opened her eyes looking down at her new lightsaber and looked to Ben. The green blade came out both ends of the staff. A green blade meant she was a Jedi Master, color itself represented life, renewal, nature, and energy; of growth, harmony, freshness, safety, fertility, and environment. The once broken Jedi ways were being renewed within her. Ben then reached out placing his hand over hers that held the staff, the newly formed lightsaber.

He created a Jedi Master. She came from nothing and out of nothing came a warrior. They stared at one another deeply feeling the Force between them. They're connection that started as a lie to only tear them apart grew into trust, into faith and into love and now as one. He felt her, all of her as she felt him. It was intimate just like they were when together in love. They were one with the Force, the Force was one with them, they were one in each and one in the same.

The wind was too much for the Falcon to take off in but that was ok. Rey and Ben had time and they could be alone and within themselves. They had a little heater next to them and the blankets wrapped around them and they wrapped in each other. After feeling that connection within the Force they decided to deepen it a little more. And during the session, the intense feelings from the temple, their connection to one another seemed to only go further into something else they have yet to understand.

Antar walked through the hallway and to a room and the doors opened. He walked in and on the bed sat Bleys. A medical robot finished it's work and assessment and left the room.

"How is your wound?" Antar asked and Bleys looked down to his hand and then to his chest.

"I'm going to kill her." Bleys declared and Antar smiled.

A/N: Oh, you thought it was going to be that easy? Nope, Bleys lives and he's out for blood. But Rey took down a First Order base, kicked ass and took names in the process. Rey has built her new lightsaber and she and Ben had a few good moments together. Now what happens? There's still Knights out there. How do you think Rey and Ben will take them out? What's to come? And if you haven't pick up yet, Ben's saber isn't so red any more, like what's up with that? Anyways, let me know what you think, what's next. Let's discuss.

Thanks for reading, commenting and following.